I recently purchased a 56" long Oliver Hazard Perry class model from BadShip models that I am building. The ship building is going great but, I have no experience with RC but want to make this an RC model (simple just a motor and rudder, well okay maybe someday a rotating gun and radar). I was wondering if anyone out there would consider exchanging emails with me and help mentor me through the process of making this warship actually sail. I have been reading the threads and noticed how knowledgable helpful some of you are.

I don't think there is anything wrong with your request for a personal mentor. But I do believe you will get lots of help, and many more ideas, by just posting your build and questions here in the public forum.

Hey thanks, I was worried about the fact that I am completely new to this and thought maybe some people wouldn't have any patience. I welcome all help in any capacity.

I guess my questions would be:

Is there a decent all inclusive RC kit that I could buy that would include the motor, speed control, rudder servo, .... remote control that might be sufficient for a 56" long balsa wood/fiberglass model?

If not could someone help me piece one together?

Also anyone who has any experience with BadShip models I would be interested to hear how things turned out?

Hey thanks, I was worried about the fact that I am completely new to this and thought maybe some people wouldn't have any patience. I welcome all help in any capacity.

I guess my questions would be:

Is there a decent all inclusive RC kit that I could buy that would include the motor, speed control, rudder servo, .... remote control that might be sufficient for a 56" long balsa wood/fiberglass model?

If not could someone help me piece one together?

Also anyone who has any experience with BadShip models I would be interested to hear how things turned out?

Hey..I resemble that first remark....I think we are all learning new ideas even if we are experienced at this hobby. I second Kmot's reply..Post here and post often.

Yes there are pre-packed power units, but you'll get better if you buy the pieces individually.
I have a question for you.....do you have tools and are you interested in building this stuff yourself? or do you want to buy and just install?
Rudder= build your own
motor = scale speed would be a geared unit. 4to1 or 6to1 on a pitman type motor running 6 or 12 volts will work great. Maybe a 2" prop max. What is the scale prop size?
Speed control = EBay...look for something that handles 10 amps and has Fwd/Rev
Back to power 6 volts would be easy, 7.2 nicad will work also. 12 volt requires a better speed control, but many exist. Do you have chargers? other boats/planes/cars? that could share equipment?
Radio = cheapie 2 channel will work, but a 4 channel will give you room to grow.

One thing that I can definitely recommend with the planking is lay the planks evenly down both sides at the same time. I made the mistake of building a static model and favouring one side over the other which eventuated in a slightly warped hull as the planks pulled to one side. Other than that, it should be all good. One other trick I have learnt as well is to slightly dampen the balsa(if you are using balsa that is) before bending it, you will get better shape that way. You also get better adhesion with your glue as the dampness opens the grain up on the timber and allows the glue to soak in a bit.

........ I have a question for you.....do you have tools and are you interested in building this stuff yourself? or do you want to buy and just install?

Way to go answering that question shifter3 !! Boatfox I guess U'r satisfied with answer given!! Second that Kmot! Have no advice at the moment, just getting jealous about model and tools! Keep it up --> Eugène

Way to go answering that question shifter3 !! Boatfox I guess U'r satisfied with answer given!! Second that Kmot! Have no advice at the moment, just getting jealous about model and tools! Keep it up --> Eugène

I think I subconsiously ignored it because I am floundering a bit. No disrespect to Boatfox. I would be interested in building, but I don't have many tools, so buy and install is probably better.

How did I do that? Is there something in the background of the pics that shows my ineptness at this?

I am however quite pleased with the main deck curve that I pulled off for the bow.

LOL...All the Ryobi cordless stuff hung on the wall.
We are just trying to guage what or how much you want to jump into....Scratch build hull, plank on frame is a big step. I think we are beginning to see what you are up to.